Ethical and Methodological Considerations for Researching Children Exposed to Political Violence

Every advance in understanding the effects of exposure to political violence on children relies on the active engagement of girls and boys, whose decision to participate in research can present countless risks. Nevertheless, children’s participation in research is critical for scientific advancement. It can also confer benefits to participants, their families, and the services, programs, and policies designed to safeguard their well-being. This chapter reviews the risks, methodological challenges, and potential benefits of engaging child participants in research on political violence in order to inform ongoing discussion and reflection about best practices in this field. The chapter discusses key principles guiding ethical research with children before exploring several exemplary research processes advanced by colleagues in the field, which highlight the different ways that these principles can be applied and built on. The chapter concludes by reflecting on ongoing challenges and potential new directions for research practice in this field.